discursive essay about video games

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Videogames: A Discursive Essay

Whenever the issue of the benefits and harms of videogames has been brought up, the responses are always controversial. The importance of this subject is derived from its popularity amongst the masses, most significantly in children of the ages of 11-16. If these children are going to make up the next generation, it is imperative that we investigate the effects they have.

The incentive people have to play videogames stem from the idea that they are real-life simulations from the graphics and sound to the interactivity. In addition to this, the game developers are employing a new strategy in order to attract customers: they claim, while backed up by doctors and researchers, that they have medical benefits. This is in the midst of research and claims linking videogames with violence, crime, photosensitive epilepsy, headaches, hallucinations, nerve and muscle damages and even obesity in the long run. While it is confirmed that long hours spent playing videogames could cause Repetitive Strain Injury, this would apply to almost any other activity which involved computers and the television.  

Videogames and Violence

The notion that videogames are linked with violence is a very common objection people have with videogames. In the year 2000, the observer reported that a “definitive” piece of research had been published showing that “physiological damage could be inflicted on even occasional players of videogames”. They cite as an example of this the Columbine High School shootings in Colorado where two teenage boys killed twelve class mates in addition to the teacher and themselves. In a video they left behind, they stated that the slaughter would be just like “doom”.

Game developers and those working for them disagree. They bring forward the principle “correlation is not causation”. They assert that such people as the teenagers mentioned above were already mentally disturbed which is why they were attracted to the game in the first place. They contend that the results would be similar whether they watched a violent or TV program and that the game did not specifically alter the workings of their brains to cause such results.

This is a preview of the whole essay

On the other hand, the study cited by the Observer, maintains that playing such videogames are more detrimental since when watching a violent movie you are merely observing , while the player of the videogame is actively identifying his/herself with the aggressor.  Another study, also quoted in the Observer’s article, run by someone who had studied 300 college students declared that the adolescents who make up the majority of the demographics with regard to videogames, are still in the process of developing their ideas and attitudes. He believes that the graphically violent scenes of many of the games are going unnoticed by parents and are affecting the children.

What are  clear, lucid and obvious, however, are the common themes of violence running through many videogames. After weighing the evidences, it is clear that although the arguments with regards to this are polarized i.e. the game developers claiming that videogames are an outlet for children to release their aggression in a way that does not affect anyone while others claim that these themes in the games increase the chance of the players acting violently when interacting with others. In my opinion, these opinions are too simplistic and naive: both have the potential of being a reality and this depends on many factors.

Firstly, it should be known that certain children could play an endless amount of violent videogames without being affected in the slightest way. On the other hand, others could be affected by playing the game with a minimal amount of violence. In other words, there are always exceptions.

Secondly, the importance of caring, understanding and openly talkative parents is a major factor. A child, spending endless hours playing violent videogames, who has not other means of venting frustration and no real guide to help him distinguish between the fantasy gaming life and the real life, would most probably be greatly affected by the games.

Another important factor, I believe, is the styles and objectives of the game. A real-life scenario setting is obviously going to have more of an effect on the child than a fantasy setting. In addition to this, if the player is winning points for the violence, as in the case of games like Doom and Carmageddon, the children are likely to respond with violent behaviour.

Videogames, Addiction and School Work

There have been a number of cases where “videogame addiction” has been diagnosed. This refers to a compulsive use of computer and videogames which interferes with the essential tasks of life such as study. There is a vast amount of debate and discussion as to what this constitutes, what its consequences are, how serious it is and whether it should be classed as a physiological disorder.

There have been many groups who believe it should be classified as a psychiatric disorder. They include the American nation’s largest Doctor Group. They claim that videogame addiction is as serious as the likes of alcohol addiction due to the compulsive element that it entails. On the other hand, the videogame makers in addition to their mental health experts believe that their products do not cause any form of dependence.

One of the studies which support the existence of this addiction was implemented by Hauge and Gentile. The study’s results stated the following points:

•  Addicted adolescents spend more time playing video games  
• Males were significantly more likely to be addicted than females
•  Addicted adolescents were significantly more likely to report having been in a physical fight in the last year
•  Addicted adolescents had higher hostile attribution scores
•  Addicted adolescents had more arguments with friends and more arguments with teachers
•  Addicted adolescents reported lower academic grades

It is clear from the studies which have taken place as well as first hand reporting that Videogame addiction exists, is a serious problem, and impacts the victim in their lives due to their neglect for ordinary day-to-day duties.

Despite the above, it is also clear that the ratio of those addicted compared with those who are not is minute. With this in mind, I believe it is safe to conclude that an average player who is supervised and whose hours playing are restricted and balanced out with activities such as household chores and homework will not be affected. In this respect, the verdicts of the game makers could be accepted. However, players who are not restricted starting from a young age are far more likely to develop this addiction due to the fact that they seek to fulfil their physiological needs through the virtual games rather through reality due to the artificial rewards, freedom and friendship through connection with other players.

A separate, perhaps less serious, issue is the videogames effects on the vast majority of children and adolescents lives and their studies. According to Michael Brody ((Psychiatrist), M.D., head of the TV and Media Committee of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry), the use of videogames has the effect of displacing “physical activity and time spent on studies, with friends, and even with family” on certain individuals. For this reason, many people are totally against the use of videogames.

Nonetheless, most game makers respond by saying that there is no difference with regards to videogames than any other type of leisure activity. Whatever one does in excess one will necessary fail in other aspects of life. They assert that there is no solid evidence to differentiate videogames with any other form of leisure activity and hold that if one were to ban or place restrictions on videogames one should do the same for all other types of entertainment including the television and computer.

Upon weighing the evidences and conclusions of both sides in respect to addiction as well as the general effect on studies and life, I believe it would be safe to conclude the following:

• Game addiction is a serious matter which clearly exists and displaces the essential tasks of an individual
• This type of addiction is relatively rare
• For the vast majority of children, video gaming is no different from other leisure activities and everything should be done in moderation.

The Benefits of Videogames

So far, the discussion has been about the harms of videogames. In this section we will explain people’s views on the benefits of videogames.

According to a study conducted by Mark Griffins, playing videogames of whatever genre causes a number of benefits which include reductions in reaction times, improved hand-eye co-ordination and a raise of the players’ self-esteem. In addition to this, the engaging and challenging nature of videogames has the capacity to incorporate educational themes so that the player is learning as well as having fun. He does admit, though, that most games n the markets are not of this type. Furthermore, Griffin maintains that videogames can be used as a powerful distraction from mental and health conditions. Examples include those with attention deficit disorders, children undergoing chemotherapy and treatment for sickle cell anaemia.

Although many would disagree with me, I sincerely believe that the situation is not as black-and-white as it seems too many people and even some specialists. Firstly, it is important we acknowledge that there are always exceptions presenting examples of extreme reactions. Such are the examples I have mentioned earlier on violence in games: certain people would only have to play for half an hour on a violent game to have the themes stuck in their head and to have that particular type of behaviour manifest through their interactions with others, but this is clearly not the case for the vast majority of people. Another example is of videogame addiction: although it does exist and has affected many people, the vast majority of people are not affected. This is also true with other conditions possessed only by a minority of people such as photosensitive epilepsy. On the other hand, others are not at all affected even after playing violent games for hours on end. What is clear is that the majority of people are affected negatively by videogames due to its overuse. That is to say they restrict most of their free time to playing these videogames, often times without support from parents/carers. The solution to this, in my opinion, is the job of parents: it is their duty to balance their children’s time with videogames with other activities such as homework. In addition, it is their duty to monitor the content of the games and talk to their children about the behaviour they witness when playing. If these simple guidelines were followed most people would not be affected negatively by videogames whether it is violent behaviour or addiction.

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The Popularity of Video Games and Their Benefits Proposal

Introduction/background/tentative thesis, the benefits of playing video games (literature review), works cited.

One of the foremost aspects of a post-industrial living is the fact, during the course of recent decades; the progress in the field of informational technologies has attained a clearly defined exponential momentum.

In its turn, this naturally causes the lives of people in Western countries to become ever more technologically intense, while simultaneously prompting Westerners to adopt a number of qualitatively new existential attitudes.

The validity of this suggestion can be well explored in regards to the phenomenon of video games becoming increasingly popular with not only adolescents, but with grown up adults, as well (Walker 57). However, just as it always used to be the case, throughout the course of history, the introduction of new technologies into people’s everyday lives causes the advocates of ‘traditional values’ to resist the process.

Partially, this explains why, ever since playing video games became an integral part of the conventional entertainment-culture in the West, this technologically intense form of entertainment began to be referred to as being utterly counter-productive (Levin & Carlsson-Paige 428). This point of view, however, cannot be considered as such that represents an undeniable truth-value, but rather as such that can be well referred to in terms of an urban myth.

In my study, I will aim to substantiate the validity of this thesis at length, while specifying the already identified benefits of playing video games and elaborating on what accounts for these benefits’ objectiveness.

While conducting this study, I will seek to address the following set of research questions:

• What can be considered objective preconditions for video games to be potentially capable of benefiting players?
• What accounts for the foremost benefits of playing video games?
• What accounts for the technical aspects of how video games benefit players?
• Are the benefits of playing violent video games, on the one hand, and the benefits of playing pro-social video games, on the other, can be considered qualitatively different?
• What causes many people to adopt strongly negative attitudes towards the very activity of playing video games?

The research method that I choose to utilize, within the context of conducting this study, is the review of discursively relevant academic literature. The rationale for opting in favor of this particular method reflects the qualitative nature of the researched subject matter.

Given the fact that the activity of playing video games has a number of strongly defined controversial connotations to it, the exploration of this activity’s possible benefits should not be affected by the potentially concerned parties’ perceptional subjectivity.

The analysis of discursively relevant literature will provide us with the opportunity to define the objective (scientifically proven) benefits of playing video games. In its turn, this will allow us to ensure, whatever the controversial this study’s implications may sound, they nevertheless would logically supported.

Week 1: I will familiarize myself with the discursive aspects of what accounts for the perceived significance of the activity of playing video games.

Week 2: I will conduct a preliminary research on the technical aspects of video gaming.

Week 3: I will play two pro-social video games ( Super Mario Sunshine, Animal Crossing ).

Week 4: I will play two strongly violent video games ( Grand Theft Auto III, Manhunt ).

Week 5: I will review relevant academic literature, in regards to what are being commonly considered the negative effects of playing video games.

Week 6: I will review relevant academic literature, in regards to what are being commonly considered the negative effects of playing computer games.

Week 7: I will synthesize the acquired knowledge and write the preliminary draft.

Week 8: I will refine the preliminary draft methodologically, structurally and conceptually.

Week 9: I will reread the study’s final version and apply necessary adjustments, if proves necessary.

The foremost purpose of this research is to dispel the myth that playing video games is by definition a counter-productive activity, which necessarily results in the committed players becoming socially withdrawn, cognitively aggressive and physically unfit.

I believe that by doing it, I will be able to contribute to the process of people slowly getting rid of their moralistic prejudices, in regards to what they perceive as the ‘threatening’ manifestations of a modern living.

When it comes down to analyzing positive or negative effects of just about any type of people’s activity, it is important to adopt a proper analytical approach towards reflecting upon their actual significance. In its turn, this requires analysts to understand what accounts for the activity effects’ discursive subtleties.

Therefore, while researching the proposed subject matter, it will be thoroughly justified to provide a conceptual framework for categorizing the beneficial effects of people’s exposure to video games.

These effects can be classified as confirmed – supported by many empirical studies, suspected – supported by relatively few empirical studies, and speculative – those that require an additional scientific inquiry (Barlett, Anderson & Swing 378).

Confirmed benefits

Enhancement of visual attention.

As it is being shown in Green and Bavelier’s study, playing video games contributes substantially to the concerned individuals’ ability to cope with a number of different visual attention tasks. After having conducted a series of experiments on the sampled participants, authors concluded that, as compared to what it is being the case with individuals that do not play video games; game-players appear more capable of rapidly switching their attention from one cognitive task to another.

Such Green and Bavelier’s finding is being thoroughly consistent with what psychologists know about the very principle of how people address these tasks. Apparently, people can only remain focused on coping with a particular task on one-at-the-time basis, which is why it proves impossible for them to be simultaneously processing two unrelated types of information.

Nevertheless, individuals can well gain a proficiency in switching the focus of their cognitive attention to such an extent that to the outside observers, they may appear being capable of indulging in two unrelated cognitive activities at the same time. In this respect, playing video games comes in particularly handy, as it helps individuals to learn how to apply their mental powers most effectively.

Green and Bavelier explain technical aspects of their study’s findings by pointing out to the fact that playing video games naturally causes individuals to learn how to ‘conserve’ their attentional resources, “When the target task is easy, spare attentional resources ‘spill over’ to the distractor, processing it to some extent and thereby influencing target processing. As the target task becomes more difficult, fewer attentional resources remain to process the extraneous distractor” (534).

Therefore, it can well be suggested that the activity of playing video games does in fact increase one’s chances to attain a social prominence, as it amplifies the extent of his or her ‘quick-mindedness’ – hence, causing the concerned individual to be more capable of scoring high, while IQ tested.

Enhancement of spatial reasoning

Another confirmed positive effect of playing video games is the fact that it substantially increases the effectiveness of the concerned individuals’ spatial thinking. That is, as opposed to those individuals who do not play video games, players have been proven much more capable of properly arranging two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects within the given space-frame. The validity of this suggestion can be illustrated in regards to the empirically obtained findings of De Lisi and Wolford’s study.

According to the authors, children that play Tetris game substantially outperform their non-playing peers, while addressing Mental Rotation (MR) tasks. De Lisi and Wolford explain this finding by suggesting that people’s exposure to pro-social video games, such as Tetris , does help them to improve their analytical abilities, concerned with a spatial reasoning, “After the children played ‘Tetris’ for a number of weeks, a significant association between final ‘Tetris’ scores and the MR posttest was evident” (280).

Because the integrity of one’s spatial reasoning is one of the foremost preconditions of him or her being able to qualify for pursuing a number of highly prestigious careers, there can be very few doubts as to the fact that playing video games may indeed come in particularly helpful, in this respect.

Moreover, because the integrity of people’s spatial reasoning has been well-established as such that correlate with their ability to properly identify a dialectical relationship between causes and effects, the activity of playing video games can be also be referred to as such that helps the concerned individuals to adopt an adequate stance, while facing particularly tough real-life situations.

Facilitation of the learning process

As of today, it became a commonplace assumption among educators that video games can well serve as the particularly effective tool of learning. In its turn, this assumption is being thoroughly consistent with what we know about the very essence of how people acquire knowledge.

Apparently, in order for just about anyone to be able to not only memorize newly acquired information but to also ‘digest’ it cognitively, he or she would have to relate to this information emotionally.

Given the fact that the activity of playing video games would not be considered appealing by players if it was not emotionally charged, it does not come as a particular surprise that people’s exposure to video games is being potentially capable of serving a number of educational purposes.

One of the reasons why, as it was noted, playing video games can be well considered a particularly effective educational tool is that this activity is being thoroughly interactive.

By remaining in full control of the computer-generated action, players become an integral part of the virtual realm, which in turn helps them to gain a better awareness of what accounts for the adequateness of their reactions to different stimuli.

There is also another aspect to it – as opposed to what it is often being the case with conventional forms of learning, playing educational video games appears systematic, which in turn increases learners’ chances to be able to apply the acquired knowledge in practice.

As it was pointed out by Gentile and Gentile, “Video games are well sequenced in levels of increasing difficulty, complexity or pace, with success at subsequent levels contingent upon competencies mastered at previous levels” (129).

Therefore, it is fully explainable why the majority of adolescents do prefer studying within the format of playing video games. It is not only that by doing it they never get to experience the sensation of boredom, but they are also able to receive an emotional satisfaction out of being put in a position of controlling all the phases of their academic progress.

Suspected benefits

Enhancement of hand-eye coordination.

Even though that, as of today, only a limited number studies have been conducted on the subject of whether people’s continuous exposure to video games improves the integrity of their psychomotoric functions, the available empirical data, in this respect, does imply the legitimacy of this suggestion.

For example, according to Griffith et al., as compared to what it is being the case with their peers that do not play video games, children that do play video games exhibit a much better hand-eye coordination.

Despite the fact that in the mentioned study, the authors did not elaborate on the technical aspects of how game-players are able to improve the integrity of their psychomotoric functions, it does not represent much of a challenge to hypothesize what accounts for the concerned technicalities.

After all, in order for just about anyone to gain a proficiency in playing a particular video game (especially the one that features much of a real-time action), he or she would have to be able to ensure a complete precision of its bodily motions, which control the movements of characters in the game.

In its turn, the individual’s ability to thoroughly coordinate its hand-eye reactions to the input stimuli is being indispensible in a number of professions, such as surgeons or watchmakers. This is the reason why, people that plan to pursue the earlier mentioned careers are being often advised to spend time playing action-packed video games.

Enhancement of communicational skills

One of the foremost qualitative aspects of modern video games is the fact that most of them offer multiplayer options. What is means is that, while playing a particular game, players can now communicate with each other in a real-time mode.

Moreover, whereas, even as recent as ten years ago, the computer-mediated communication (CMC) between players used to primarily take place in the form of people exchanging typed messages, the majority of most up-to-date video games allow players to use voice, while interacting.

As Williams, Caplan and Xiong have noted, “People engaging in CMC over the Internet can thus interact with one another via voice, instead of or in addition to text. VoIP is inexpensive, can connect with existing phone service, and allows for many-to-many communication” (428).

The socially relevant implication of this observation is quite apparent – given the fact that modern video games do encourage players to indulge in close and personal communication with each other, made possible by the multiplayer feature; their communicational skills are expected to improve in the exponential progression to the amount of time, spent playing.

In its turn, this explains that contrary to the assumption that particularly committed video game players tend to be socially withdrawn individuals; this is far from being the actual case.

Quite on the contrary – the fact that video game players spend much time, while tackling simulated but conceptually genuine life-challenges and reflecting upon the particulars of their progress, in this respect, via the medium of Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP), naturally increases the extent of their comfortableness with a number of different socialization-related activities.

Thus, the activity of playing video games does not only represent a socially appropriate form of entertainment, but it also benefits the concerned individuals by increasing the extent of their social comfortableness.

This simply could not be otherwise, because the activity of playing video games is being thoroughly consistent with the discursive aspects of today’s living, associated with the process of informational technology growing to define the very workings of people’s psyche.

In other words, by playing video games, people are able to gain a better awareness of the actual subtleties of the surrounding socio-political reality.

Speculated benefits

Contribution to the emotional/physical well-being.

Given the fact that, as time goes by, video games become increasingly popular with more and more people, this state of affairs can be best discussed as such that has been dialectically predetermined. In other words, by being exposed to video games, people are able to improve the state of their emotional and very often physical well-being.

Therefore, there is nothing odd about the fact that, as of today, many health care professionals often refer to video games in terms of a ‘psychological cure’, the application of which proves thoroughly appropriate within the context of clinicians prescribing their patients with the so-called ‘distraction therapies’.

According to Michael and Chen, “Video games have been used to distract patients during painful medical procedures as well as to improve motor skills in physical therapy and to speed recovery for certain operations and conditions” (181). Apparently, while playing a particular video game, people are often able to lessen the acuteness of their depression-related anxieties.

After all, as it was mentioned earlier, humans are only able to address one cognitive task at the time, which means that, while engaging with the computer-generated action, players become literally embraced by it, which in turn leaves them with no option but to forget about their real-life concerns for the time being. Thus, there is indeed a rationale to refer to the activity of playing computer games as being psychologically therapeutic.

Reduction of aggression

As it was pointed out in the Introduction, many people believe that one’s affiliation with particularly violent video games can be seen as the predictor of this individual’s tendency to act in a socially-inappropriate manner.

Such point of view, however, contradicts the recent discoveries in the field of genetics, which leave very little doubt as to the fact that the qualitative subtleties of people’s behavior only indirectly reflect the environmental specifics of how they were brought up.

What it means is that there is very little rationale in believing that violent video games are the actual cause of a real-life societal violence.

Instead, violent video games should be seen as the instrument of anger management. And, as psychologists are being well aware of, in order for subliminally violent people to be able to of refrain from resorting to violence, as the mean of addressing their deep-seated anxieties, they must be provided with an opportunity to release their anger in a socially-appropriate and publically safe manner.

As Golden pointed out, “The goal in anger management is to increase the options you have to express anger in a healthy way… A person who has learned a variety of ways to handle anger is more competent and confident” (26).

One of the most effective and safe ways of releasing anger, which one may consider, is causing havoc and destruction within the boundaries of a computer-generated virtual realm.

I believe that the provided line argumentation, as to the fact that there are indeed a number of good reasons to consider the activity of playing video games objectively beneficial to the concerned individuals’ well-being, is thoroughly consistent with the initial thesis.

As it was illustrated earlier, playing video games does enhance players’ ability to think logically and to address the simulated life-situations in a thoroughly rational manner – even if there is the element of violence to it.

Moreover, people’s exposure to video games also helps them to recognize the sheer erroneousness of a number of sophistically sounding but essentially meaningless politically correct notions. In its turn, this makes people more capable of adopting a proper stance, while tackling life-challenges.

It is needles to mention, of course, that along with the earlier outlined beneficial effects to this particular activity, there are many counter-productive ones, such as the empirically tested fact that strongly committed game-players do risk the chance of neglecting their societal duties and the logically substantiated assumption that people’s continual exposure to video games is being potentially capable of causing them to experience the lack of social empathy.

This, however, does not justify the suggestion that playing video games should be discussed in terms of an essentially fruitless and even socially dangerous pursuit.

Moreover, given the fact that, as it was mentioned earlier, the activity of playing video games can be considered an integral part of a technologically extensive post-industrial living, it will only be logically sound to hypothesize that, as time goes by, the detrimental effects of this pursuit will be gradually deprived of their discursive acuteness.

Apparently, the growing popularity of video games suggests that humanity may well be standing on the threshold of a new trans-human era.

Barlett, Christopher, et al. “Video Game Effects – Confirmed, Suspected, and Speculative: A Review of the Evidence.” Simulation & Gaming, vol. 40, no. 3, 2009, pp. 377-403.

De Lisi, Richard and Jenifer Wolford. “Improving Children’s Mental Rotation Accuracy with Computer Game Playing.” Journal of Genetic Psychology, vol. 163, no. 3, 2002, pp. 272-282.

Gentile, Douglas and Ronald Gentile. “Video Games as Exemplary Teachers: A Conceptual Analysis.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, vol. 37, no. 2, 2008, pp. 127-141.

Golden, Bernard. Healthy Anger: How to Help Children and Teens Manage Their Anger . Oxford UP, 2003.

Green, Shawn and Daphne Bavelier. “Action Video Game Modified Visual Selective Attention.” Nature no. 423, 2003, pp. 534-537.

Griffith, Jerry, et al. “Differences in Eye-Hand Motor Coordination of Video-Game Users and Non-Users.” Perception and Motor Skills vol. 57, 1983, pp. 155–58.

Levin, Diane and Nancy Carlsson-Paige. “Marketing Violence: The Special Toll on Young Children of Color.” The Journal of Negro Education, vol. 72, no. 4, 2003, pp. 427-437.

Michael, David and Sandra Chen. Serious Games: Games That Educate, Train, and Inform . Course Technology, 2005.

Walker, Jesse. “Birth of a Medium.” Reason, vol. 35, no. 3, 2003, p. 57.

Williams, Dmitri, et al. “Can you hear me now? The impact of voice in an online gaming community.” Human Communication Research, vol. 33, no. 4, 2007, pp. 427-449.

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Persuasive Essay: Video Games

Teenagers today often spend a great deal of time playing video games. These games are fun and engaging and young people often feel like playing games is a great thing to do in their spare time. However, you shouldn’t spend too much time gaming and there are a number of reasons for this: it’s unhealthy, you should spend more time studying, and you need to socialize more.

The primary reason to cut down on gaming time has to be that youths that spend a long time on computers and games consoles are often not getting enough exercise. With high obesity rates, it’s very important for young people to spend as much time being active as possible, especially since studies show that people who are overweight during childhood and adolescence are far more likely to become overweight adults than those of a healthy weight when they’re young. There is just as much, if not more, fun to be had in getting out and about and being active. This doesn’t have to mean going for long runs if that’s not your thing; team sports are both fun and great exercise. Dance or fitness classes are also a good option for those not into sports.

Secondly, getting a good education is that best thing that you can do for your future. If every teenager cut down on their gaming time by 30 minutes per day and used this time to study, the whole of that generation would achieve better results and be more likely to have the career that they want. With education, you get out what you put in, so it’s really up to you to put in the additional effort. If you want to go to a good college, extra study in your own time will be completely vital, but gaming can reduce your concentration span and make this more difficult.

The third main reason that playing video games too often is that it’s no good for your social skills. Some teenagers may argue that because they can now play their games online with friends, they are socializing in their own way. However, you can’t beat face-to-face contact, and if you want to succeed in interviews and build good relationships in later life, you need to develop some proper communication skills. This shouldn’t be a chore, or difficult, because hanging out with friends is far more fun than sitting indoors playing on games all day anyway!

In conclusion, there can be no doubt that spending too much time gaming isn’t good for you. You don’t have to stop all together, but it’s all about moderation. Cut down and allocate your additional free time to doing things that are good for you, and you definitely won’t regret it in later life.

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Video game genres and discourse communities

• Publications
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Under the supervision of Bernard Perron , Dominic Arsenault and Carl Therrien .

In the beginning, we set out to delineate and study a corpus of breakthrough games for five major genres (first-person shooter, adventure game, roleplaying game, platform game, and strategy game). We were confronted to the disparity of canons for each genre. Who were we to decide which games were worthy of scholarly attention, for instance by excluding the “best games” listings produced by the fan communities on Youtube?

This research project addresses epistemological and methodological issues about the production and dissemination of knowledge in various communities. We are studying more specifically four broad “discourse communities”: gamers, industry workers, game critics and scholars. Our goal is to reflect on discursive and interpretive strategies for each of these groups. We are studying a variety of “discursive genres” (top list, editorial, essay, audiovisual presentation, etc.) in order to highlight how these constructions structure (more or less consciously) the way in which members of a community share their conception of a video game genre, and determine relevant games. We are delineating the modes of production and diffusion of discursive practices, and argue that these modes determine in part the imaginary conception of video game genres.

In short, this project seeks to propose an open-minded conception of game genres by acknowledging and analysing the points of view of many discourse communities, in order to better understand how certain conceptions of game genres crystalize over time.

SSHRC grant: "Video Game History as a Challenge to Video Game Theory: A Study of the Formal Aspects and Reception of Video Game Genres" (2013-2017)

Research assistants.

• Pierre-Marc Côté (2013-2015)
• Simon Dor (2013-2018)
• Mikaël Julien (2013-2016)
• Maxwell Landry-Martineau(2013-2015)
• Hugo Montembeault (2013-2018)
• Andréane Morin-Simard (2013-2018)
• Pascale Thériault (2015-2018)

Results Top of the page

Publications top of the page, books and journals.

Therrien, Carl, and Martin Picard. 2015. “Enter the bit wars. A study of video game marketing and platform crafting in the wake of the TurboGrafx-16 launch”. New Media & Society , Vol. 18, No 10 (April 29th), p. 2323-2339. [ Online ]

Perron, Bernard, et Simon Dor. 2014. "Addressing the Preservation of Gameplaying: Archiving Actional Modalities (Execution, Resolution, and Strategy)". In Bernard Perron and Federico Giordano (eds.), The Archives: Post-Cinema and Video Game Between Memory and the Image of the Present , p. 177-200. Milan : Mimesis International.

Arsenault, Dominic. 2014. "Action". In Bernard Perron and Mark J.P. Wolf (eds.), The Routledge Companion to Video Game Studies , p. 223-231. New York and London : Routledge.

This essay describes two different phenomena: action games, understood as a genre of games in which the player’s sensori-motor skills prevail over his cognitive activity, and a general theory of action-taking in context of the game-playing practice. Through a short history of the main genres and sub-genres traditionally identified with “Action games”, and the conclusion that such a categorization pertains to a mode of action rather than a given genre, the properties of action games are identified as involving a standardized repertoire of actions, emphasis on sensori-motor skills, and short-term action sequences.

Book chapters and articles

Deslongchamps-Gagnon, Maxime, and Hugo Montembeault. To be published in 2019. "The Walking Simulator’s Generic Experiences". Press Start .

Montembeault, Hugo, Maxime Deslongchamps-Gagnon and Bernard Perron. 2018. « Le jeu vidéo et la notion de montage : se “couper” du cinémato-centrisme ». In Santiago Hidalgo and Bernard Perron (eds.), Cinémas (Montréal), Mutations du montage. Esthétiques, technologies, pratiques et discours , vol. 28, No 2-3, p. 133-154.

Therrien, Carl, Isabelle Lefebvre and Jean-Charles Ray. 2019. "Toward a Visualization of Video Game Cultural History: Grasping the French Touch". Games and Culture: A Journal of Interactive Media . [ Online first ]

Perron, Bernard, Hugo Montembeault, Andréane Morin-Simard, Jean-Charles Ray and Pascale Thériault. 2019. "Introduction : Splendeur(s) et misère(s) des genres vidéoludiques". Kinephanos , p. 1-8. [ Online ]

Perron, Bernard, Hugo Montembeault, Andréane Morin-Simard and Carl Therrien. 2019. "The Discourse Community’s Cut: Video Games and the Notion of Montage". In Jeff Thoss and Michael Fuchs (eds.), Intermedia Games—Games Inter Media , p. 37-68. New York : Boolmsbury.

Perron, Bernard. 2018. "“You have once again entered the world of survival horror. Good luck!”". The World of Scary Video Games: Study in Videoludic Horror , p. 31-65. New York : Bloomsbury.

Other relevant publications Top of the page

Montembeault, Hugo, and Simon Dor. 2018. "What do gameplay archives think of? A historiographic approach to videoludic experience". Conserveries mémorielles , No 23. [ Online ]

Dor, Simon. 2018. "Strategy in Games or Strategy Games: Dictionary and Encyclopaedic Definitions for Game Studies". Game Studies , Vol. 18, No 1. [ Online ]

Perron, Bernard. 2014. "Conventions". In Bernard Perron and Mark J.P. Wolf (eds.), The Routledge Companion to Video Game Studies , p. 74-82. New York : Routledge.

Arsenault, Dominic. 2011. "Des typologies mécaniques à l’expérience esthétique. Fonctions et mutations du genre dans le jeu vidéo". Doctoral thesis (not-published), Bernard Perron (ed.), Université de Montréal. [ Online ]

Arsenault, Dominic. 2010. "Introduction à la pragmatique des effets génériques : l’horreur dans tous ses états". Loading...Journal of the Canadian Game Studies Association , Vol. 4, No 6. [ Online ]

Arsenault, Dominic. 2009. "Video Game Genre, Evolution and Innovation". Eludamos. Journal for Computer Game Culture , Vol. 3, No 2. [ Online ]

Examining the usage of video game genre labels through a brief survey of a few generic taxonomies will reveal multiple different ways of organizing them according to a multitude of criteria. If we accept genre to be a fruitful model to identify the multiple kinds of video games that are out there, we have to account for its transformations, adaptations and reinventions. Admitting genre evolution requires us to properly address the topic of innovation that lies at its basis. Consequently, a model of innovation specific to the video game industry has to be devised. Such a model will reveal that, far from being reducible to a simple checklist of specific game mechanics, video game genres play the part of the middle-man in a complex ecosystem of functional considerations and aesthetic ideas.

Events Top of the page

Deslongchamps-Gagnon, Maxime, and Hugo Montembeault. 2018. "Cartographier les effets génériques du walking simulator au-delà du genre : Les cas de The Long Dark et de Kona ". Proceedings from "Journée d'études LUDOV 2.0" (Montreal, June 13, 2018), University of Montreal.

Deslongchamps-Gagnon, Maxime, and Hugo Montembeault. 2018. "Profil Ludique et LUDOV : Portrait d’une synergie". Proceedings from "Symposium des laboratoires universitaires de recherche francophone en études du jeu et de la ludification" (Montreal, May 14-16, 2018), Université du Québec à Montréal; Université de Montréal; École des arts numériques, de l’animation et du design; Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Montembeault, Hugo. 2017. "Repenser l’histoire “condamnée” du FPS". Splendeur(s) et Misère(s) des Genres (vidéo)ludiques . Proceedings from "Symposium Annuel Histoire du Jeu 2017" (Montreal, June 28-30, 2017), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec.

Morin-Simard, Andréane, and Hugo Montembeault. 2016. "The Discourse Community’s Cut: Video Games and the Notion of Montage". Energizing Communities / L’énergie des communautés . Proceedings from "Association Canadienne d’études cinématographiques / Film Studies Association of Canada (FSAC 2016) – Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences" (Calgary, May 31 - June 2, 2016), University of Calgary.

Therrien, Carl, Hugo Montembeault. 2015. "The Authority of Discourse Communities. Disseminating Techno-Industrial Glorification from Marketers to Academics". Diversity of Play : Games – Cultures - Identities . Proceedings from "Digital Games Research Association (DIGRA 2015)" (Lüneburg, May 14-17, 2015), Leuphana University.

Morin-Simard, Andréane, Hugo Montembeault, Bernard Perron and Guillaume Roux-Girard. 2015. "Les genres vidéoludiques au cœur de l’imaginaire des communautés discursives". Les Imaginaires de la Communauté . Proceedings from "Colloque international FIGURA RADICAL" (Montreal, March 5, 2015), Université du Québec à Montréal.

Perron, Bernard, Dominic Arsenault, Hugo Montembeault, Andréane Morin-Simard and Guillaume Roux-Girard. 2014. "Video Game History as a Challenge to Video Game Theory: A Study of the Formal Aspects and Reception of Video Game Genres". Borders without Boundaries . Proceedings from "Association Canadienne des études vidéoludiques / Canadien Game Studies Association (CGSA 2014) – Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences" (St. Catharines, May 29, 2014), Brock University.

Montembeault, Hugo and Carl Therrien. 2014. "Négocier le First-Person Shooter : Exemplification méthodologique". Atelier sur les Jeux Vidéo . Proceedings from "Centre de recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Technologies Émergentes de l'Université de Montréal (CITÉ 2014)" (Montreal, March 21, 2014), Université de Montréal.

Selected conference papers Top of the page

Recommended links top of the page.

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• Our Official List of Great Video Game Essay Topics

Any essay that you write should be well-written, accurate, and interesting to your audience. That begins with finding a great topic for your essay. Check out our list of the best essay topic ideas. You should be able to write a great essay about gaming with one of these topics. If you struggle with it, you can always order a custom essay on video games.

Topics on Social Issues

The topic of video games comes up quite frequently when various social topics are being discussed. If you are taking classes such as sociology, public health, political science, or journalism, your essay might focus on the many social issues relating to video games. Writing essays on violence in games is always an option, but there are others as well. Here are a few topic ideas:

Persuasive Essays Related to Social Issues

• Do Violent Games Cause Behavior Problems?
• Convince readers, in an essay about violence in games, that the average person will not be affected in a negative way.
• Should video game rating systems be more stringent?
• Are parents ultimately responsible for what their kids play?
• As a society, do we unfairly blame video games when we should be focusing on personal responsibility?

Narrative Essays on Video Games And Their Impact on Society

• Write about a video game that you played as a child that was too violent for you
• Have you ever been addicted to online gaming? What was that like.
• Talk about an incident of harassment that you witnessed when playing online video games.
• Write essays on violence in gaming and the impact of that in early dating relationships

Expository Essays on The Social Impact of Video Gaming

• Write a  short essay  on the impact of video gaming on health and wellness
• Compose a research paper that addresses the effects of allowing young children to do violent video games
• Write a case study about a young adult who has never been exposed to video games vs. one who has been

General Essay Ideas That Relate to Social Issues

• What should be done about sexism in gaming?
• How can the gaming industry become more inclusive as a whole?
• Why is sex and violence such a common theme in video games?
• Does early exposure to video games impact the ability of children to self-regulate?
• What are the biggest social problems related to gaming?

Video Game Essay Topics New Technology

If you are an avid gamer, you probably keep up with the latest technologies, reading specialized magazines, and eagerly await the latest and greatest releases. You may have even been part of a beta testing new things or involved in open source gaming projects. Most importantly, you likely have lots of knowledge and opinions on gaming technology. Check out these essay ideas:

Persuasive Essays on Gaming Technology

• Will virtual reality impact video game technology or is it simply a fad?
• Which release is causing the most buzz?
• Streaming will replace consoles, yes or no?

Expository Essay Ideas on Gaming Technology

• Pick an up and coming technology and explain how it works
• Explain the history and development behind an upcoming technological advancement in video tech
• Discuss the trend of gamers as designers

Other Video Technology Essay Ideas

• Write a compare contrast essay on virtual reality in gaming vs. augmented reality
• Write a review of a new gaming system that you have recently tried out.

Topics About Educational Games

Persuasive Essays on Video Games in Education

• Should children spend more time focusing on lectures and hands-on work than gaming?
• Argue which educational video game parents of toddlers should choose
• Video games have no place in education. Argue a side
• Is gaming a possible solution when dealing with disengaged students?

Expository Essay Ideas For Gaming in Education

• Explain how gaming is used in special education
• Describe the features that make a game educational vs. entertainment
• Research and explain the process educators use to integrate gaming into the classroom

Other Educational Essay Ideas

• Review the most popular educational games that have been released this year
• Write a paper about the differences between educational games today vs. 10 or 20 years ago
• Write a case study about a school that incorporated gaming into their classrooms    

Essay Topics For Passionate Gamers

If you don’t find anything that interests you above, don’t fret. You can still improve your writing skills while expressing your passions for gaming. If you have an interest in gaming, you have many options when it comes to writing essays. This is especially true when it comes to classes where you have a bit more flexibility in your writing assignments. Check out these topic ideas:

• Write a descriptive essay about the first gaming experience you have had
• What are your predictions about the future of console gaming
• What is the funniest thing that happened to you in an online gaming experience
• What 10 worst things that impact the world of video gaming be opinionated!
• Compare and contrast the first release of a video game with the most current
• If you could invent a video game, what would it look like
• Write a review of the most popular game available today

Remember that you must balance your passion for the topic of gaming with good writing skills and factual knowledge. You will still have to research, cite your sources, and do the other work that goes into writing a good paper. As always, if you need help with a gaming essay remember that we are available to help as we are top essay writing service . Happy gaming!

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What is video gaming and its associated environments, video gaming overview., definition of gaming for the purpose of this research., definition of addiction and outlet., history of the influence of video games in the media., violence in video games., anti-social tendencies., the stereotypes., game development over time and its impacts., trends of popular gaming genres., statistics of average daily use., rise or fall of owning a game console, the “why” and “how”.

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Computer games are bad for children – IELTS Writing Task 2 Discursive Essay

Updated On Aug 04, 2021

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Ielts writing task 2 topic:.

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Some people say that computer games are bad for children by all means, others believe that these games are contributing to children’s development. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Band 9.0 Model Essay

Children nowadays spend several hours playing video games; since the last few years these games have become increasingly popular. While some experts think that these games corrupt the brain, some others also feel that computer games may actually teach kids high-level thinking skills for their future. This essay shall consider both perspectives and end at a personal approach.

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Parents usually complain of their child being addicted to video games, like playing for 2 hours at a stretch, but practically but the time issue is a red herring. This is a normal time for a child to play – video game or otherwise. Another issue is of these games being too violent. Although there’s no concrete research linking violent games to violence in real life, common sense says we should limit a child’s exposure as such games glamorize violence and are not realistic. Playing video games can be considered to be an addiction or detrimental if it disrupts or compromises other important things in children’s life, for instance if they can’t concentrate on their homework because of gaming or have no friendships.

When a child plays video games, it gives his brain a real workout.  In many video games, the skills required to win involve abstract and high level thinking. In shooting games, the character may be running and shooting at the same time, which develops hand-eye coordination, fine motor and spatial skills. In strategy games, for example, while developing a city, an unexpected surprise like an enemy attack might emerge.  This forces the player to be flexible and quickly change tactics enabling quick thinking and making fast analysis. Because of all these factors, video games are deemed to be more constructive than harming.

In closing, I’d say computer games are contributing to children’s development, though in an unconventional sort of way. We cannot deny that we are now living in a high-tech, sophisticated world so an all-out negative attitude towards computer gaming is not reasonable. Level-headedness in such matters can help curb the damaging effects.

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Soon after graduating with a Master’s in Literature from Southern Arkansas University, she joined an institute as an English language trainer. She has had innumerous student interactions and has produced a couple of research papers on English language teaching. She soon found that non-native speakers struggled to meet the English language requirements set by foreign universities. It was when she decided to jump ship into IELTS training. From then on, she has been mentoring IELTS aspirants. She joined IELTSMaterial about a year ago, and her contributions have been exceptional. Her essay ideas and vocabulary have taken many students to a band 9.

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay: Awesome Guide and Template

The term "discursive" comes from the Latin word "discursus," meaning to move around or traverse. A discursive essay reflects this by exploring multiple viewpoints and offering a thorough discussion on a specific topic.

In this article, our term paper writing service will define what a discursive essay is, distinguish it from an argumentative essay, provide practical tips on how to write one effectively, and examine essay examples to illustrate its structure and approach.

What Is a Discursive Essay

A discursive essay is a type of essay where you discuss a topic from various viewpoints. The goal is to provide a balanced analysis by exploring different perspectives. Your essay should present arguments on the topic, showing both sides to give a comprehensive view.

Features of discursive essays typically include:

• Thesis Statement: Clearly states your position or argument on the topic.
• Discussion of Perspectives: Examines different viewpoints or aspects of the issue.
• Evidence and Examples: Supports arguments with relevant evidence and examples.
• Counterarguments: Addresses opposing viewpoints to strengthen your position.
• Logical Organization: Structured to present arguments coherently and persuasively.

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How to Write a Discursive Essay

Writing a discursive essay involves examining a topic from different angles and presenting balanced viewpoints. Whether you're tackling a controversial issue or analyzing a complex subject, following these steps will help you craft a well-structured discursive essay.

1. Understand the Topic

Before you start writing, make sure you grasp the topic thoroughly. Identify key terms and concepts to clarify what you need to discuss. Consider the different aspects and perspectives related to the topic that you will explore in your essay.

2. Research and Gather Evidence

Research is crucial for a discursive essay. Gather information from reliable sources such as books, academic journals, and reputable websites. Collect evidence that supports various viewpoints on the topic. Note down quotes, statistics, and examples that you can use to strengthen your arguments.

3. Plan Your Structure

Organize your essay effectively to ensure clarity and coherence. Start with an introduction that states your thesis or main argument. Outline the main points or perspectives you will discuss in the body paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a different aspect or viewpoint, supported by evidence. Consider including a paragraph that addresses counterarguments to strengthen your position.

4. Write the Introduction

Begin your essay with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader's attention. Start with a hook or an intriguing fact related to the topic. Clearly state your thesis statement, which outlines your position on the issue and previews the main points you will discuss. The introduction sets the tone for your essay and provides a roadmap for what follows.

5. Develop the Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay should present a balanced discussion of the topic. Each paragraph should focus on a different perspective or argument. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Support your points with evidence, examples, and quotes from your research. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain the flow of your argument.

6. Conclude Effectively

Wrap up your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes the main points and reinforces your thesis statement. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. Instead, reflect on the significance of your arguments and how they contribute to the broader understanding of the topic. End with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action, encouraging readers to consider the complexities of the issue.

If you find this kind of writing challenging, simply say ' write my paper ', and professional writers will handle it for you.

Discursive Guide Checklist

Discursive Essay Examples

Here, let’s take a look at our samples and see how different topics are discussed from different viewpoints in real discursive essays.

If you found these examples helpful, you can order custom essay now and receive one on any topic you choose.

Discursive Essay Topics

Here are a range of topics that encourage exploration of different perspectives and critical analysis. Choose a topic that interests you and allows for a balanced analysis of arguments and evidence.

• Should governments impose higher taxes on sugary drinks to combat obesity?
• Is homeschooling beneficial for children's education?
• Should the use of drones for military purposes be restricted?
• Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised?
• Is online education as effective as traditional classroom learning?
• Should parents be held legally responsible for their children's actions?
• Is artificial intelligence a threat to human employment?
• Are video games a positive or negative influence on young people?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Should schools teach mindfulness and meditation techniques?
• Is cultural diversity in the workplace beneficial for companies?
• Should prisoners have the right to vote?
• Is social media addiction a real problem?
• Should plastic packaging be replaced with eco-friendly alternatives?
• Is it ethical to clone animals for agricultural purposes?
• Should the government provide subsidies for electric vehicles?
• Is privacy more important than national security?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• Is renewable energy the future of our planet?
• Should parents have access to their children's social media accounts?

By the way, we also have a great collection of narrative essay topics to inspire your creativity.

What is the Difference Between a Discursive and Argumentative Essay

Discursive essays and argumentative essays share similarities but have distinct differences in their approach and purpose. While both essay types involve critical thinking and analysis, the main difference lies in the writer's approach to the topic and the overall goal of the essay—whether it aims to explore and discuss multiple perspectives (discursive) or to argue for a specific viewpoint (argumentative). Here’s a more detailed look at how they differ:

Types of Discursive Essay

Before writing a discursive essay, keep in mind that they can be categorized into different types based on their specific purposes and structures. Here are some common types of discursive essays:

Opinion Essays:

• Purpose: Expressing and supporting personal opinions on a given topic.
• Structure: The essay presents the writer's viewpoint and provides supporting evidence, examples, and arguments. It may also address counterarguments to strengthen the overall discussion.

Problem-Solution Essays:

• Purpose: Identifying a specific problem and proposing effective solutions.
• Structure: The essay introduces the problem, discusses its causes and effects, and presents possible solutions. It often concludes with a recommendation or call to action.

Compare and Contrast Essays:

• Purpose: Analyzing similarities and differences between two or more perspectives, ideas, or approaches.
• Structure: The essay outlines the key points of each perspective, highlighting similarities and differences. A balanced analysis is provided to give the reader a comprehensive understanding.

Cause and Effect Essays:

• Purpose: Exploring the causes and effects of a particular phenomenon or issue.
• Structure: The essay identifies the primary causes and examines their effects or vice versa. It may delve into the chain of events and their implications.

Argumentative Essays:

• Purpose: Presenting a strong argument in favor of a specific viewpoint.
• Structure: The essay establishes a clear thesis statement, provides evidence and reasoning to support the argument, and addresses opposing views. It aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's perspective.

Pro-Con Essays:

• Purpose: Evaluating the pros and cons of a given issue.
• Structure: The essay presents the positive aspects (pros) and negative aspects (cons) of the topic. It aims to provide a balanced assessment and may conclude with a recommendation or a summary of the most compelling points.

Exploratory Essays:

• Purpose: Investigating and discussing a topic without necessarily advocating for a specific position.
• Structure: The essay explores various aspects of the topic, presenting different perspectives and allowing the reader to form their own conclusions. It often reflects a process of inquiry and discovery.

These types of discursive essays offer different approaches to presenting information, and the choice of type depends on the specific goals of the essay and the preferences of the writer.

Discursive Essay Format

Writing a discursive essay needs careful planning to make sure it’s clear and flows well while presenting different viewpoints on a topic. Here’s how to structure your discursive essay:

Introduction

• Start with an interesting opening sentence to catch the reader's attention. Give some background information on the topic to show why it’s important.
• Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic, and mention that you’ll be discussing different viewpoints.

"Should genetically modified foods be more strictly regulated for consumer safety? This question sparks debates among scientists, policymakers, and consumers alike. This essay explores the different perspectives on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to give a complete view of the issues."

Body Paragraphs

• Begin each paragraph with a sentence that introduces a key point or perspective about GMOs.
• Present arguments, evidence, and examples to support each perspective. Consider the benefits, risks, and ethical issues around GMOs.
• Address possible objections or opposing viewpoints to show a balanced analysis.

"Supporters of GMOs argue that genetically engineered crops can help solve global food shortages by increasing crop yields and resistance to pests. For example, studies have shown that GMOs like insect-resistant corn have reduced the need for chemical pesticides, which benefits both farmers and the environment."

Counterarguments

• Recognize the counterarguments or concerns raised by opponents of GMOs.
• Provide reasoned responses or rebuttals to these counterarguments, acknowledging the complexity of the issue.

"However, critics of GMOs worry about potential long-term health effects and environmental impacts. They argue that there isn’t enough research to ensure the safety of eating genetically modified foods over long periods."

• Summarize the main points discussed in the essay about GMOs.
• Reinforce your thesis statement while considering the different arguments presented.
• Finish with a thought-provoking statement or suggest what should be considered for future research or policy decisions related to GMOs.

"In conclusion, the debate over genetically modified foods highlights the need to balance scientific innovation with public health and environmental concerns. While GMOs offer potential benefits for global food security, ongoing research and transparent regulation are essential to address uncertainties and ensure consumer safety."

Formatting Tips

• Use clear and straightforward language throughout the essay.
• Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain the flow of ideas.
• Use headings and subheadings if they help organize different perspectives.
• Properly cite sources when referencing research findings, quotes, or statistics.

Remember, besides writing compositions, you’ll also need to do math homework , something we can assist you with right away.

Yays and Nays of Writing Discourse Essays

In learning how to write a discursive essay, certain do's and don'ts serve as guiding principles throughout the writing process. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can navigate the complexities of presenting arguments, counterarguments, and nuanced analyses, ensuring the essay resonates with clarity and persuasiveness.

Wrapping Up

Throughout this guide, you have acquired valuable insights into the art of crafting compelling arguments and presenting diverse perspectives. By delving into the nuances of topic selection, structuring, and incorporating evidence, you could hone your critical thinking skills and sharpen your ability to engage in informed discourse. 

This guide serves as a roadmap, offering not just a set of rules but a toolkit to empower students in their academic journey. As you embark on future writing endeavors, armed with the knowledge gained here, you can confidently navigate the challenges of constructing well-reasoned, balanced discursive essays that contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and foster a deeper understanding of complex issues. If you want to continue your academic learning journey right now, we suggest that you read about the IEEE format next.

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What is a Discursive Example?

What is the difference between a discursive and argumentative essay, what are the 2 types of discursive writing.

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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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• Updated old sections including definition, outline, writing guide.
• Added new topics, examples, checklist, FAQs.
• Discursive writing - Discursive Writing - Higher English Revision. (n.d.). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpdwwmn/revision/1  
• Prepare for Exam Success: C1 Advanced self-access learning Writing Part 1 -the discursive essay Lesson summary. (n.d.). Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/Images/583526-c1-advanced-self-access-learning-writing-part-1-discursive-essay.pdf  
• Tomeu. (n.d.). Advanced C1.1: How to write a DISCURSIVE ESSAY. Advanced C1.1. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://englishadvanced2.blogspot.com/2013/10/speakout-advanced-p-25-examples-of.html  

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155 Exceptional Discursive Essay Topics To Try

Do you have a discursive essay to prepare, and getting the right topic is proving challenging? Selecting the best title for your essay can be challenging because it requires a lot of research and a deep understanding of the respective discipline. For others, it is simply a lack of confidence and materials for research. So, what is the way out?

To help you get high grades, this post provides a list of 155 hot topics that you can use. Consider using them as they are or tweak a little to fit your preference. Do not just select any topic for your discursive essay; select the best.

How to Select a Good Discursive Essay Topic

Before we can list the best topics to write a discursive essay on, it is important to answer the question, “How do you pick the best?” Here are some expert tips:

Interesting to You No matter the study discipline, the topic you select should be interesting. This can help you to develop a stronger attachment with the work, increasing the chances of crafting a high-quality paper. If you select a topic that is not interesting, the chances are that it will become challenging midway. Relevant As a college or university student, every paper you do should help push you higher into your career ladder. Therefore, it is important to select topics that are relevant to your field, especially the latest happenings. For example, a student pursuing international relations might want to explore areas such as the recent withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan, the recent Israel-Hamas war, or the American policy on climate change. Enough Materials As you select the topic, it will be an excellent idea to also think about the resources that will be used to prepare it. If you do not have ample books, journals, and other publications, there is a danger of getting stuck. Focused and Catchy

When your lecturer checks the essay, the topic is what you will get first, and, therefore, you should make it catchy. This makes the reader want to go deeper into the paper and see what you have to say. A good topic is also likely to earn you a higher grade.

Next, we will highlight the main essay ideas, starting with higher English discursive essay topics. We will also tell you why it is important to work with an expert writer.

Good Discursive Essay Topics for Higher English

• Should foreign languages be taught in all schools?
• Both safe sex and abstinence should be taught in high school.
• In education, are motivational theories effective?
• Teenagers and children should always speak out about domestic violence.
• Should the government ban all types of sports betting?
• Cheating during college examinations should be punished severely.
• Alternative sources of energy are excellent in addressing global warming phenomena.
• Good communication skills are crucial for success in business.
• Should we make recycling mandatory for all?
• E-books should not replace conventional books in college and university.
• Should we reduce the legal age for acquiring a driving license in the UK?
• Every business should invest in innovation.
• Competition: Is it a good thing?
• Are girls too mean in relationships?
• Is fashion important?

Discursive Writing Topics in Sports

• Can you keep children out of danger through sports?
• Girls should be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys.
• Should we legalize the use of steroid alternatives in athletics?
• Students should be paid for participating in school sports.
• All females should be banned from taking part in extreme sports.
• Alcohol and tobacco adverts should be banned from school sports events.
• The rules used to guide how coaches treat players are not strict enough.
• Parents should disallow their students from participating in school soccer.
• Should sports betting be made legal in all countries?
• Are video games sports?
• Is there a way of preventing injuries in soccer?
• Engaging in professional sports is a way of life and not a hobby.
• Being gay in sports draws a lot of attention from the media.
• Is it acceptable for a soccer coach to lose his/her emotions on the field?
• Sports can result in both positive and negative impacts on a person’s health.
• Chess: Should it be considered a fully-fledged type of sport like basketball and soccer?
• Do athletes experience stress?

Controversial Discursive Essay Topics for You

• Death penalty: Is it effective?
• What are the main causes of war?

Should we abolish all tobacco products?

• Abortion should be abolished.
• Illegal migrants: Should they be granted the right of abode?
• What should society do to reduce payment inequality between men and women?
• Capitalism is the best economic model.
• Should we use animals for research?
• BREXIT was a huge mistake.
• Computer games are bad for children.
• Ballarat Rebellion: Why did it end in just 30 minutes?
• Sex before marriage should be forbidden.
• Is homeschooling better than normal schooling?
• To succeed in business, communication is the most important thing?
• Fast foods should be disqualified as food.
• Parents are to blame for high levels of overweight and obesity among children.
• Is globalization really important?
• Should human cloning be allowed?
• Online dating has ruined the importance of traditional romance.
• Can politics be free and fair?

Interesting Topics for Discursive Essays

• Uniforms in school limit student’s freedom of expression.
• Should all steroid users be banned from all sports in the UK?
• Should all court proceedings be captured on camera?
• Same-sex marriages: Should they be banned?
• Does workplace diversity result in higher productivity?
• What is the main challenge for women in the workplace?
• Post-WWII America: How did it grow?
• Should parents select careers for their children?
• Reading non-fiction books helps to improve a person’s writing skills.
• Should famous people get involved in leadership, especially politics?
• Is Yoga a more spiritual event than fasting?
• Short dresses should be banned from schools and workplaces.
• Is space exploration a worthy undertaking?
• Do we really require social media to stay in touch with each other?
• Are vegetarians healthier than meat lovers?
• WWI: What was the potential of the Russian Army?
• Can virtual reality become dangerous to young people?
• Rock music: Is it related to Satanism?

Unique Discursive Essay Topics

• Do video games have an advantage for adults?
• Punishing students that include physical torture should be banned in schools.
• Is the global society becoming over-regulated?
• Should we allow students to rate their trainers?
• What is the biggest challenge faced by learners in college today?
• Movies are better than cartoons.
• Should America and Canada merge to form one country?
• Smartphones are excellent learning tools.
• Why do teenagers feel freer to talk on social media as opposed to face-to-face?
• Does the training offered in college prepare students adequately for the real world?
• To be successful, hard work alone is not enough.
• Is the taxation system in the US effective?
• Is college tuition in the UK too expensive?
• Is studying Shakespeare in college a good idea today?
• Without faith, life is incomplete.

Good Discursive Essay Topics in History

• What was the impact of colonization on the Native Americans?
• The main causes of the American Revolution.
• History of racism in the UK.
• What role did women play in WWII?
• How significant are the measures adopted by the US to control terrorism?
• What issues caused major conflicts between the South and North, resulting in the American Civil-war?
• Were Egyptian pyramids constructed using slave labor?
• Did WWII spur the creation of a new set of professionals?
• During WWII, soldiers were the main spreaders of the Spanish Flu.
• The results of WWI caused WWII: Is it correct?
• The Second Civil War in South Sudan resulted in the creation of the independent republic of South Sudan.
• Spanish-American War: Was it the cheapest war in history?
• Why did the Soviet invade Afghanistan?
• The Haiti Revolution of 1791-1804: Was it the only successful rebellion of liberated slaves?
• Socio-economic and political revolution: What is the main difference?
• The Panama Canal made the country one of the fastest-growing nations in Latin America.
• Mexican-American War: Why did America Carry the Day?
• How are the weapons of ancient Asian Civilization reflected in their culture?
• How did the decolonized African states try to decolonize their history?

List of Discursive Essay Topics in Sociology

• Should governments put some limits on the freedom of speech?
• Giving male workers paternity leave: Is it a good idea?
• Are there circumstances when torture is acceptable?
• Failed parenting: What is the right form of punishment?
• What are the main causes of single-parenthood in society today?
• Socialism or capitalism: What is more beneficial to society?
• Are women less privileged in society?
• Increase in youth crime in the society: What are the major causes?
• Is beauty more perceived than intelligence?
• Racial stereotyping: What are the implications?
• Society and culture: What is the meeting point?
• Modern technology: Has it made the globe a better place?
• Ethnicity: How does it impact social class?
• Is it possible to stop social violence?
• What are the psychological impacts of war on children?
• Family structure: Does it influence societal development?
• What is the best way to encourage society to have good morals?
• Is the gay culture a threat to the traditional family?
• Single parenting: Has it been accepted in society?

Top Discursive Essay Topics on Nature

• Why is underground water not considered clean for drinking?
• Tourism is one of the main reasons for animal theft.
• Should all countries make recycling compulsory?
• Plastic manufacturing factories: Should they be banned?
• Between the public and government, who is more responsible for disturbing nature?
• How does a vegan diet help the environment?
• Is global warming real?
• Can deaths caused by earthquakes be prevented?
• Is scientific advancement creating an imbalance in nature?
• Deforestation: How does it degrade the standard of life?
• Is it possible to dump nuclear waste safely?
• Can renewable sources of energy meet the growing demand?
• Imagining the globe in 2300: How will it be when the oil is exhausted?
• Should environmental conservation be introduced as a core course for all students?
• Does smoking outdoors have any impact on the environment?
• Should governments advocate for more artificial environments?
• Is it a good idea to buy bottled water?
• Are environmental awareness forums important?

Ideas for Discursive Essays in Nursing

• Who between nurses and doctors is exposed to more health hazards?
• Racial discrimination: Is it a major issue in nursing?
• Do nurses play a bigger role than doctors in defining a patient’s recovery?
• Should the government ban costumes that sexualize nurses?
• What is the right number of nurses to have in a hospital?
• Are female nurses more indifferent to patients than male ones?
• Night shift nurses and day-time nurses: Who should earn more?
• Nurses’ remuneration: Should their wages be at par with that of doctors?
• Are most nurses negligent?
• The importance of interpersonal skills in nursing?
• What is the impact of nursing theories in nursing practice?
• The importance of leadership and managerial skills in nursing.
• Sociological issues in nursing.
• Do nurses face racial issues in their course of work?

Use Essay Writing Help to Craft A-Rated Discursive Essays

Once you have selected the preferred topic to write a discursive essay on, it marks the start of the next phase, which is the actual writing of the paper. Here, you need to have top-notch research and writing skills to be able to prepare high-quality work. You also require a good mastery of the subject under consideration and enough time to work on the paper. Rarely do students have this combination, and their best way out is working with online academic writing experts.

The professionals offering academic writing services have been on this type of job for years and amassed enough experience. Indeed, they are likely to have handled similar types of paper before, and yours will be pretty easy to complete. The services are also cheap and the writers can work really fast to complete even the essays with the tightest deadlines. You can never go wrong with an expert holding your hand!

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